Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Where Keep Calm and Carry On was blistering and full of oomph, the Stereophonics latest release, Graffiti On the Train is much more measured, more thoughtful and overall more in keeping with the band’s social commentary style. Both albums have worked well, both styles that the band are capable of give off positivity but it is this measured style that is more approachable in the end and the group are much better for it.

In the space of three years and one album, the Welsh Rockers have taken a big step towards being on a par footing with the Manic Street Preachers and there by default on the same equal footing with The Alarm. The Welsh Rock scene has always been healthy and overpoweringly good but it needs the spirit of anger to keep the fires burning and the passion alive. The Alarm for over 30 years have shown the way for the honest and grumbling disaffection to seep into the psyche, the Manic Street Preachers took up the mantle and now, finally The Stereophonics can add their weighty name to it.

Graffiti on the Train also marks the longest time between releases for the band and it perhaps this that has the band become more patient, dignified, perhaps even more determined to make their point of view, to tell the narrative properly without having to resort to one liner punch the air anthem rock.

Vocalist Kelly Jones makes the most of this in songs such as Roll the Dice, Indian Summer, the heart breaking but affirming No-One’s Perfect and the superb Violins and Tambourines. All songs that sit well in the pantheon of music created by the group but with a certain decorum attached to them which marks this eighth studio album perhaps the finest work yet by the band.

An important milestone in the group’s long time as a venue favourite, perhaps now they will also get the recognition for making songs that are not just taken up by a certain age group and be mentioned all across the ranges.

Ian D. Hall